Kenneth Merlin Brass

Kenneth (Ken) Merlin Brass, of Banning, California entered into his eternal home on July 11, 2024. He was born in Rushmore, Minnesota on September 19, 1928 to Albert and Alvina (Schaefer) Brass, the eldest of four children.

Ken spent most of his childhood in Worthington, Minnesota where he swam and sailed on the lakes in the summer; and ice skated and sledded on those same lakes when they froze over in the winter. He also built model airplanes, worked at a golf course and learned to operate a threshing machine.

Following graduation from Worthington, High School, Ken and his family headed to California seeking work and a better climate. In 1951 he enrolled in the Navy “on a dare” and spent time in Guam as part of the U.S. Naval Construction Forces, better known as the Seabees. After his service, Ken settled in the Los Angeles area returning to carpenter work with his father and uncle, building homes and apartments in the Westchester area.

In 1957 Ken joined the Los Angeles Fire Department where he served and supported the Los Angeles communities for 28 years, retiring as a Battalion Chief. After he retired, he spent his time with his family skiing at Mammoth Mountain and sailing out of Redondo Beach Harbor on his Coronado 30. He even learned to play golf! His carpenter skills continued to be used – and appreciated – whether it was installing kitchen cabinets for family, or helping his grandsons build out their Eagle Scout projects.

Ken had always wanted a classic car and in 2011 he purchased a 1938 Packard, sending him on a journey for many years meeting other classic car collectors. It was at such a meet up that he was introduced to his wife, Lavinia, also a recent widow, showing her red Volkswagen “bug” affectionately called “Herbie.” Ken would often say “it was love at first sight” – and a year later they married. Ken and Lavinia spent their days traveling in the Packard (they once took a trip to every California mission!), celebrating the milestones of their grandchildren and enjoying their Sun Lakes Community in Banning. As Lavinia often shares, they “had a beautiful life.”

Ken is survived by his wife of nine years, Lavinia Brass; his daughter Cheryl Okamoto (Steven); and the mother of his children Karen Bennett. Also two stepdaughters Kathy Heaps (Cliff) and Sherri Missig, 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and his sister Lynda DiGiaimo.

Ken was preceded in death by his son, Randall Brass; his late wife Marilyn Brass, stepdaughter Vicki Thompson, brother Alyn Brass and sister Marlene Rogers.

A Memorial Service will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 19, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church, Banning, California.